Green and Mundine top athletes

IN front of the media Anthony 'The Man' Mundine is never short of a few words.

But take him away from the spotlight and his composure couldn't be more different, according to local Emerald boxer Colin Wilson.

Mundine was scheduled to fight Mexican Rigoberto Alvarez on September 21 for the WBA junior middleweight title.

However a cut inflicted during training has forced the outspoken former rugby league player to postpone the bout until October 19.

Wilson, who is preparing for a title fight of his own next month, spoke highly of Mundine as an athlete and entertainer. "As an athlete I rate him. No one likes him because he's a mouth, but I've met him a few times and he's as quiet as a church mouse," he said. "He's smart at business. They (the spectators) are all looking at him being such a good sportsman and what he's saying is putting bums on seats. They want to see him win or lose, but either way they're paying to go see him."

As confident as ever Mundine was adamant that "everything happens for a reason" and was assured of a strong showing next month.

Rival Australian boxing identity Danny Green was also a worthy contender in Wilson's books.

"He's not so blase (as Mundine), but he is a smart businessman, a smart fighter," Colin said.

"He trains hard and puts his whole heart and soul into it. I rate him, he's not a bad lad.

"I've done a bit of sparring with him and he's good at what he does and I can only wish him all the best."

Mundine and Green are not the only prominent fighters Wilson has encountered, fighting footballer-turned-boxer John Hopoate in 2009.

"I knocked him out in the fourth round but I nearly got knocked out in the third round myself," Wilson said. "He hit me with a good overhand right and dropped me. I jumped straight back up and thought I'd better go to work."